1920 delivers what it promises

Critic's Rating: 17/5

Vikram Bhatt visits the horror genre again, after Raaz. Also, like Raaz, 1920 talks of love, lust and paranormal forces. But unlike Raaz, the latest film is set in the bygone era and that makes both the films as diverse as chalk and cheese.

After a series of watchable and avoidable fares, Vikram Bhatt is back with a vengeance in his latest endeavour. It may not be the most eerie experience, but it has its share of terrifying moments that one expects from a film that talks of supernatural forces. The best thing about 1920 is that the culmination to the story is most compelling, which is so vital for a horror-mystery.

Any hiccups? The narrative slows down at regular intervals and that robs the film of its shine. Besides, the flashback - the reason why the spirit seeks revenge - could've been more impactful.

All said and done, the pros easily outweigh the cons here. Most importantly, 1920 delivers what it promises, eerie and scary moments in plenty.

The year is 1920 and the house isolated in the wilderness has a secret. It is waiting for the curse to come true. For years, everyone who has tried to pull it down has died of mysterious circumstances.

Arjun (Rajneesh Duggal) and his wife (Adah Sharma) move into the house. He has been given the task of pulling it down and making a hotel there. The house has been waiting for them and very soon, strange and inexplicable events start taking place?

The period look and the British castle (located in Yorkshire), which is an integral part of the story, give the film a distinctive texture. From the writing point of view (story: Vikram Bhatt; screenplay: Vikram Bhatt, Dhiraj Ratan), the love story is well structured and the obstacles the couple face are well depicted.

But the film actually gallops when the spirit takes over the girl's body. Thereafter, incident after incident catches you unaware. Note the sequence at the nursing home, when the spirit talks to the doctor. Or recall the spirit's warning to the priest. The finale - when Rajneesh chants the Hanuman Chalisa - is another highpoint.

Without doubt, 1920 is amongst Vikram Bhatt's finest works. In fact, it's after a really long gap that Bhatt seems to be in complete command. Pravin Bhatt's camera captures the mood splendidly. The beauty of the castle has been captured very well by the DOP. Adnan Sami's music strikes a chord. Bichua (singer: Shubha Mudgal; filmed on Rakhi Sawant) caters to the masses, while Tujhe Main Pyaar Karu by Kailash Kher and Vaada (Pt. Jasraj) are aimed at the heart.

Both Rajneesh Duggal and Adah Sharma go through their roles confidently. Adah gets the meatier part and she takes to it like a fish to water. She's excellent.

Rajneesh has the trappings of a fine actor and though there's slight awkwardness at places, it can be overcome with the passage of time. He has the potential. Anjori Alagh looks beautiful and leaves an impression in the second hour. Indraneel does well. Raj Zutshi (as the priest) is top notch. Vallabh Vyas (doctor) is as usual.

On the whole, 1920 is an engrossing fare that meets the expectations. It has the potential to work at plexes and single screens, metros and mini-metros, catering to all audiences.